Matt Zaddy’s Blend of Folk-Rock and Modern Soul Is A Genre-Bending Journey With “What Comes Around”
Mississauga, Ontario folk-rock artist, Matt Zaddy released his new single “What Comes Around” which blends folk-rock and modern soul, making it a journey through genres for any music fan.
Zaddy’s latest track was produced by Emmy award winner and Juno-nominated Ross Citrullo from The Sheepdogs, Julian Taylor Band, Samantha Martin, and Delta Sugar. Together, they have crafted a high-energy song that encapsulates the listener with catchy guitar and organ hooks, raw and dynamic vocals, and an unforgettable groove.
“I have to take some time to remember why I do what I do, and to see past the adversity we all experience as part of life,” says Zaddy.
“What Comes Around” is a blend of Zaddy’s trademark folk rock and rhythm and blues. This song is about facing challenging questions and self-doubt. Zaddy’s introspective lyrics resonate with anyone who has had to struggle for their passion.
Zaddy’s reinvention as an artist has been with the intention to connect with as many listeners as possible, regardless of the genre. He adds, “I truly hope that this song inspires people to do that little bit extra to make a real impact on those around us, and ultimately the world itself.”
Zaddy is known for his passion of creating music and performing, having previously performed in venues across Canada. He also co-wrote “We Are The North,” Mississauga’s official anthem for its #Canada150 celebrations. He has shared the stage with various renowned artists like K’Naan, Francesco Yates, Tom Cochrane, Jim Cuddy, The Trews, and many others.
“What Comes Around” is the song that will surely grab your attention with its catchy beats and profound lyrics.
Listen to “What Comes Around” below and learn more about Matt via our mini-interview.
You’ve been in this space before, and good to see you again! What’s been going on since your last single?
Always a pleasure speaking with (writing to? haha!) the good people at Canadian Beats. My last single was still during COVID – A Dear Friend, from my album ‘Be’. This was one of the few videos I released for my original music during the pandemic. Since things have opened back up, I’ve been busy as ever. Lots of performances (a mix of original and cover gigs), and writing! My new single ‘What Comes Around’ is the first thing I’ve released since the last single.
Tell us about the process of writing and recording “What Comes Around?”
I have been planning to be back in the studio since mid-2022. I try to put aside time to write as often as I can, but I find that a deadline has a real way of making me buckle down. Interestingly enough, I find some of my best ideas come when I’m approaching a time limit. It’s like my mind and heart kick into overdrive and deliver. What Comes Around was the last tune I wrote before going into record. I finished it 2 days before the session.
I recorded this tune in Feb. 2023 with Ross Citrullo at RHC Music. Ross and I collaborated on my last album ‘Be’. We worked so well together on that album that I knew he was the right man for the job. Plus, he’s a huge Simpsons nerd, which always makes for a good studio experience haha! Since doing my last record, he actually won an Emmy and has had several Juno-nominated records; well deserved.
The recording process was very streamlined this time around. We had only 4 days to get things done, but I feel like we moved so quickly through it, we had time to really play with the song to make it the best it could be.
Monday was preproduction – playing with the song structure, lyrics, melody grooves, reference tracks, etc. to make the tune the best it could be. We made some notice verse changes that took me a lot of listens to get my head around.
Tuesday, we had the band come in and lay down the instrumental parts of the tune. Ross’ new studio space has an incredible live room, and we laid down all the drums, keys, bass, and rhythm electric guitar live off the floor. I really think it helped give the song a ‘live feel’, and really made it come alive. Ross has assembled a killer cast of studio players, his version of ‘The Wrecking Crew’. They all performed incredibly well. Being live in the same room felt great, and it really connected us all in the process.
Thursday, we did my vocals and lead guitars. Because of the alterations we did to the tune on Monday, I really had to adjust to the new feel of the song fast, but it came together so naturally. I’m pretty sure I listened to nothing else that week. I’m glad we had the Wednesday off, to give me some time to get comfortable with the changes. It allowed for a comfortable delivery. Vocally, I’ve always found that I’m much more raw/gritty in a live setting than in the studio. I really tried to bring that live energy to the vocals this time around.
Friday, we did backup vocals (performed by Heather Christine and I) and touch-ups to some guitar takes, and of course, double-checked everything through. Then, I left it in Ross’ capable hands to come up with the mix.
This recording experience made me miss being in the studio and working with a producer again. I hunger to get in and record a full-length record. I’m really hoping to be able to do so in 2024.
What’s amazing that happened to you that came around in your life?
Being able to do music full-time is the best example I can give. In my 20’s, I played in a tech/death metal band called Starring Janet Leigh. I was young, eager to prove myself and put everything on the line for what I was creating. I loved the music we made, but it was a very difficult genre to make financially viable. We were a band for nearly 10 years, and at that point, we decided to call it quits. When that band ended, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I had put all my energy and almost every financial resource I had into making that band work for a decade.
I was originally planning on releasing a solo metal record, and hiring people to play on it. With my attention a little freer, I was hosting an open mic in Mississauga which meant I was playing a lot more acoustic guitar. All these tunes about my time on the road, and the last 10 years, just started flowing out of me. The response to these tunes was overwhelmingly positive. Playing this open mic brought in other offers to perform and within a year or two I was doing 3-5 gigs a week, plus teaching. It grew from once a week and maybe a handful of students to a full-time career in a few years.
A life in music is what came around for me, and I’ve been able to sustain myself with my various musical endeavours for nearly a decade. It’s not at all what I thought it would be like in my 20s, but it is a wonderful life: well worth the difficulties and hardship; well worth it.
Tell me about the music scene in Mississauga and your area.
Mississauga is a city filled with talented artists in all disciplines. Our population is over 700,000 so you can imagine there are more than a few artists here. I have been a part of the grassroots music scene in Mississauga since my alt-rock (which became metal) days around the year 2000. In the beginning, I was going to shows every Friday night at a Masonic Lodge. Various venues have come and gone over the years. These days, I tend to work with many more acoustic and singer-songwriter artists through my grassroots open mics, but there is a wonderful community of musicians and artists in all genres that are starting to make real progress. In the past few years, the City of Mississauga, the Mississauga Arts Council, Mississauga Music, and a number of organizations have made real progress in spotlighting some of the incredible talent within the city limits. Whether it’s folk music, hip hop, pop, jazz, or metal, you’d be surprised by the number of musicians and great bands who call Mississauga home. I’m glad there has been an expanding focus on what we’re working on.
What’s the one song by a Canadian you wished you wrote?
One song is hard to choose. We are absolutely spoiled with amazing songwriters in Canada. If I had to choose, I’d say “Old Man,” by Neil Young. From the moment I heard this song, it changed me and continues to do so as I grow older. I have seen myself as the young man, and I’m starting to see myself as the ‘more mature’ man in the story. It’s interesting how your perspective changes after 20 years of pursuing music.